Special call for proposals open: combating GBV and strengthening the rights of women and girls

THIS CALL IS NOW CLOSED FOR APPLICATIONS. The Fund for Local Cooperation (FLC) of the Embassy of Finland in Windhoek is an instrument for funding non-profit projects in Namibia. A thematic call for project proposals, specifically aimed at combating gender-based violence (GBV) and/or advancing the rights of women and girls is now closed.

As a development policy instrument, the FLC supports the goals and principles of the Finnish development policy (Link to another website.)and its priority areas.

This special thematic call for proposals is intended to address gender-based violence and/or the rights of women and girls. The main focus of the proposed project should be one of the two areas.

The projects should be implemented with a human rights-based approach(Link to another website.). The Embassy also values projects that are in line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals(Link to another website.).

Eligibility criteria for FLC partnership

The size of the Embassy's FLC portfolio is dependent on the annual budget of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland. The support is intended for project-based support, meaning that the FLC is not meant for core funding.

Selected projects will receive a grant between 30 000-80 000 EUR. Between 1-3 projects will be selected according to the Embassy’s discretion. The projects must be implemented within a one year-period from the signing of the agreement.

Minimum eligibility criteria for applicants:

Eligible partners for the FLC include local non-governmental organisations, science and technology communities, universities and other educational and research institutions, independent media, public bodies and cultural institutions (museums, libraries, theatres, etc.), chambers of commerce and commercial associations, organisations engaged in the promotion of export and investment, businesses, cooperatives, interest groups of companies and employees, foundations or religious communities.

FLC funding cannot be granted:

  • to the Government, ministries or municipalities of the Republic of Namibia
  • to support the activities of a political party
  • for basic research
  • for single cultural events
  • for charity
  • for humanitarian aid
  • in the form of a grant, scholarship or assistance for the applicant’s personal use
  • for purchasing land
  • to a fund

The applicant must have a sound financial record, as well as sufficient human resources for the implementation of the project.

Evaluation criteria for project proposals:

  • Contribution of the project to one or both of the thematic areas (rights of women and girls and/or combating GBV, e.g. protection services)
  • Alignment with Finland’s development policy and UN SDGs
  • Clearly defined project outputs and targeted outcomes supported by adequate indicators, baseline data and risk assessment
  • Realistically planned project activities that contribute to the desired outcomes
  • Project budget that is in line with the activities
  • Experience, technical and financial management capabilities of the applicant

The Embassy reserves the right to audit and evaluate the project at any time during the project. The organisation responsible for the project has to provide all required documentation according to the terms of the agreement.

The FLC projects fall under Finnish legislation, primarily the Act on Discretionary Government Transfers (Valtionavustuslaki 688/2001). In case of any kind of contract violation, the grant may be recovered back in full by the Embassy.

The FLC managed by the Embassy finances projects only in Namibia.

Please note: applicants and projects that do not fulfill the minimum eligibility criteria mentioned above will not be considered.

How to apply?

The deadline for submitting applications is 30 April 2021 at 16:15 local time (GMT/UTC+2). Late applications will not be considered.

The Embassy only acknowledges the attached application form (Opens New Window). The form must be signed and dated.

To accompany the form, the following attachments are required:

  • The organisation’s latest annual report accompanied with a financial report
  • The resumes of the project manager and project coordinator or other key project personnel (references welcome)
  • Project budget in Namibian dollars (please note: the budget must include a budget line for project audit)

The applications should be sent to the Embassy’s address [email protected] and cc’d to the Programme Coordinator [email protected].

All questions and enquiries about the call for proposals should be sent via email only directly to the Programme Coordinator. Please note it may take some days to answer the questions.